Sophie Ndaba Mourns Niece Allegedly Killed by Boyfriend in Zimbabwe
Mzansi actress Sophie Ndaba is mourning the devastating loss of her niece, who was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend during a violent lovers’ dispute in Zimbabwe earlier this month.
The victim, Cordelia Masalethulini (45), was a respected television broadcaster, writer and actress. She was allegedly killed by her live-in boyfriend, Fungai Quinton Tawengwa (46), in Harare on 4 January.
Tawengwa is reportedly a prominent member of Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF party. Ndaba confirmed the tragic news, revealing that Masalethulini was her sister’s daughter. The loss comes just two months after the death of Ndaba’s sister, deepening the family’s grief.
“Yes, I can confirm that she’s my niece. She was my sister’s daughter. My sister died two months ago, so you can imagine it’s not easy,” Ndaba said.
Born in Zimbabwe, Ndaba said the family is still struggling to process the tragedy and has yet to receive full details about what led to Masalethulini’s death.
Also Read: Makhadzi: The Rise of a Fearless Queen of Limpopo Music
“Death is not easy. I don’t know what happened except what we’ve read in media reports in Zimbabwe. As a family, we’re still waiting for authorities to officially inform us about what actually happened to her,” she said.
Ndaba added that once the family receives a complete report from authorities, they will release a formal media statement. She last saw her niece in 2019, when Masalethulini visited her in South Africa.
“She came to my house in 2019 and we spent quality time together, catching up on many things. We’ll definitely miss her — everything about her — especially because she left us when we least expected it,” Ndaba said.
“She wasn’t sick. It’s very painful when someone’s life is cut short in such a violent way.”
Ndaba said she plans to travel to Zimbabwe to pay her final respects once funeral arrangements have been finalised.
According to Zimbabwean media reports, Masalethulini and Tawengwa allegedly spent the day drinking together at Helensvale Shopping Centre in Borrowdale, Harare, on the day of her death.
Later that evening, heavy rainfall reportedly forced the pair to seek shelter at a property along Whisper Road until around 10 pm. It is alleged that the couple later had an argument, during which Masalethulini refused to go home with Tawengwa.
After the rain subsided, the two allegedly walked toward Harare–Domboshava Road. Masalethulini’s half-naked body was discovered the following day, lying in a pool of blood.
Tawengwa, the prime suspect in the case, has since appeared before Harare Magistrate Ruth Moyo and was remanded in custody until 22 January, as investigations continue.
Source: Daily Sun
